Document Actions

$7500 reward offered for information on wolf poaching

Today, Conservation Northwest and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced a reward for up to $7,500 to anyone who can offer information leading to the conviction of the person or persons involved in the illegal killing of a female collared gray wolf which was once part of the Smackout Pack in northeast Washington.

WA wolf. Photo: Craig Monette

Feb 21, 2014

Olympia – Today, Conservation Northwest and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced a reward for up to $7,500 to anyone who can offer information leading to the conviction of the person or persons involved in the illegal killing of a female collared gray wolf which was once part of the Smackout Pack in northeast Washington.

The wolf was found on February 9th in northern Stevens County. The death of the animal was determined to be the result of a gunshot wound. Wolves are protected as an endangered species in Washington, and illegally killing a wolf is a criminal offense. Washington Fish and Wildlife Police are investigating the incident, but have not disclosed further details.

The Smackout Pack was one of Washington’s first confirmed packs and had twelve confirmed members as of last year’s count – including a successful breeding pair – confirmed through aerial surveys.

Three wolves in this pack were captured and radio-collared in 2012. Location data from the radio collars was being used to guide the conflict avoidance activities of a range rider funded by Conservation Northwest and WDFW, and featured in the Spokesman Review. The collars are also used to trigger the wolf-scaring sounds and lights of Radio-Activated Guard (RAG) boxes stationed near livestock grazing areas.

Any person with information should contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police: